(New York / September 14, 2025) — The 2025 WNBA Playoffs First Round tips off today, marking the beginning of an exciting stretch for women’s basketball. Fans across the country can follow every matchup, game time, and broadcast channel as eight teams battle it out for semifinal spots.
Context & Format
This year, the WNBA has introduced key changes to its playoff structure. Most notably, the First Round now uses a best-of-three format with a 1-1-1 home arrangement. That means the higher seeded team hosts Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3, while the lower seed hosts Game 2. This ensures both teams get a home game in the series. SI+2WNBA+2
The Finals have also been expanded this season to a best-of-seven series format. Reuters+2Bleacher Report+2
Teams & Matchups
Here are the seedings and matchups for the First Round: Wikipedia+2SI+2
| Seed | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Lynx |
| 2 | Las Vegas Aces |
| 3 | Atlanta Dream |
| 4 | Phoenix Mercury |
| 5 | New York Liberty |
| 6 | Indiana Fever |
| 7 | Seattle Storm |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries |
Matchups:
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(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries
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(2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm
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(3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever
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(4) Phoenix Mercury vs. (5) New York Liberty Wikipedia+2SI+2
First Round Schedule & Broadcast
Below is the full schedule for the First Round, including game times and TV channels (Eastern Time). Game 3 in each series is conditional, only played if needed. SI+2WNBA+2
| Game # | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sunday, Sept 14 | 1:00 PM | Valkyries @ Lynx | ESPN SI+1 |
| Game 1 | Sunday, Sept 14 | 3:00 PM | Fever @ Dream | ABC SI+1 |
| Game 1 | Sunday, Sept 14 | 5:00 PM | Liberty @ Mercury | ESPN SI+1 |
| Game 1 | Sunday, Sept 14 | 10:00 PM | Storm @ Aces | ESPN SI+1 |
| Game 2 | Tuesday, Sept 16 | 7:30 PM | Dream @ Fever | ESPN SI+1 |
| Game 2 | Tuesday, Sept 16 | 9:30 PM | Aces @ Storm | ESPN SI |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, Sept 17 | 7:30 PM | Mercury @ Liberty | ESPN SI+1 |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, Sept 17 | 9:30 PM | Lynx @ Valkyries | ESPN SI |
| Game 3* | Thursday, Sept 18 | 7:30 PM | Storm @ Aces | ESPN2 SI |
| Game 3* | Thursday, Sept 18 | 9:30 PM | Fever @ Dream | ESPN2 SI |
| Game 3* | Friday, Sept 19 | 7:30 PM | Valkyries @ Lynx | ESPN2 SI |
| Game 3* | Friday, Sept 19 | 9:30 PM | Liberty @ Mercury | ESPN2 SI |
“Game 3 if needed.” SI+1
What’s Confirmed / What’s Pending
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It is confirmed that all First Round games will air through ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. SI+1
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All matchups and seedings have been finalized. Wikipedia+1
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Exact times for Game 3s are listed, but may be subject to minor changes. WNBA+1
What to Keep an Eye On
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Whether any of the higher seeds will be upset, particularly the top seed Minnesota Lynx against the surprising expansion team Golden State Valkyries. Wikipedia+1
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How the new 1-1-1 format affects travel and momentum for both home and away teams.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The First Round is set to deliver intense matchups starting September 14. As each series progresses, semifinal schedules will be announced based on outcomes. Fans should verify local listings as channel assignments may vary by region.
Expect more details on broadcasting rights internationally and streaming options in the coming days. And as always, the weather, injuries, or logistical delays could lead to schedule tweaks.
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